MUSEUM OF THE GREAT PLAINS

REASEARCH FACILITIES

The Artifact Collection of the Museum of the Great Plains consist of three primary divisions: ethnology, natural history and cultural history. The three-dimensional objects include natural history specimens; mammals of the Great Plains; Native American materials from pre-European and post-European contact; historic artifacts, artwork and folk art from various ethnic groups; and land transportation vehicles and equipment.

To view or inquire about the Artifact Collection, contact the registrar at registra@museumgreatplains.org.

The Special Collections of the Museum of the Great Plains includes the Archives, Photographic Collections, and Research Library. These collections can be used by contacting the Head Curator at mgp@museumgreatplains.org.

MGP's Archives holds over 570,000 primary documents donated by area residents. The Archives is the repository for the Comanche County Courthouse records and the Lawton Constitution. U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps and scholarly journals are available to researchers. The private research library of Dr. Waldo Wedel, archaeologist emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution, was donated to the Museum in 1990. The collection contains archaeological and historical reports, monographs, journals and books amassed by Waldo and Mildred Wedel.

MGP's Research Library holds over 25,000 volumes and monographs specializing in the prehistory, natural history, and regional history of the Great Plains. Numerous books written by county historical societies inject a local flavor to the library. The non-circulating materials can be used Tuesday and Thursday by appointment

MGP's Photographic Collection includes over 80,000 images donated from area residents, local photographic studios, the Lawton Constitution, and other early newspapers. Images include early settlement of the Southwest, North American Indian culture, local military involvement, wildlife and outdoor scenes, and daily family life in rural and urban Oklahoma and Texas. Prints are available for personal use, publications, and exhibitions.

Photographic Order Information